donna's blog

Young adulthood is a time of tremendous change and growth. It is a period filled with new experiences, challenges, and opportunities. However, it can also be a time when mental health struggles emerge or intensify. Therapists play a crucial role in supporting young adults' mental health by providing guidance, tools, and a safe space to explore emotions and challenges. This article explores how therapists contribute to the well-being of young adults and offers practical advice

Poppy In working with my clients I have been overwhelmed by their sense of cynicism. Why wouldn't they be cynical: they were born into 9/11. Yes, that's my daughter, born in 2001, missed most of college due to COVID and wracked with debt in a faltering job market; in a flattening world. How in the world do I help them make sense of it? I feel like telling my daughter I'm sorry that you don't know the absolute joy of riding your bike after school without a phone. I'm sorry

xmas day 2025 A Slow Descent from Scarsdale We started moving down from Scarsdale slowly at first. It felt like a sedate drip of loss. Where do you go if you start off high? I don’t just mean in status. I mean in experience and process. Ultimately, you might end up feeling like an ascetic. I’ve been told I have too much clutter, so I guess that’s why. I like to hold onto things. It could have been a divorce like any other. Reflections on My Childhood Wait, I should start earl

The whole reason I went into this thing is because after college I was rather shocked. No longer around thousands of kids my age, I looked around for the gaggle of friends I always had to sustain me. Empty, broken, bored, and scared, I flailed about and got more friends. But what if it doesn't come that easily for you? What if the dating apps make you obsess so much that you would rather read War and Peace at the library? We can say it's a critical time in a child's life

local track - hastings-on-hudson, ny When the darkness starts coming around mid-November and the clocks turn back, many people call me - in fact - the most people call me of all the times of the year! (However, I have read it can happen in ANY season!!). As the Solstice approaches we all have to turn inward a while. It's not a punishment, as my dear Dad would say. I happen to be one of those rare individuals who is BOTH an introvert and an extrovert. I love to be around p

Navigating the teenage years can be a challenging experience for both parents and their children. As teens seek independence, it becomes crucial for parents to foster open and respectful communication. Building trust and understanding during this formative period can significantly impact your relationship with your teen. In this blog post, we'll discuss practical tips for improving communication with your teenager and ensuring that the lines of dialogue remain open. Understan

Navigating the teenage years can be challenging for both parents and teens. During this critical life stage, teens experience rapid changes in their physical, emotional, and social lives. As parents, understanding these changes and fostering open communication is essential to help your teen feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. In this blog post, we will explore typical teenage behaviors, the importance of creating a safe space for conversation, and p

I've been writing articles on SAD - seasonal depression/affective disorder for more than 25 years. There's not much new to say about it, but there are plenty of more reasons to be SAD. I am working with a lot of teens and young adults right now who are acting out and getting into trouble and doing risky things, which are all normal to adolescent development. What is not normal is running your parents into the ground. In other words, young people move around the world witho

Continuing to grow as a therapist means more than just gaining experience with clients. It involves staying current with new techniques, ethical standards, and research in the mental health field. One of the best ways to do this is by earning therapist CE credits . These credits not only fulfill licensing requirements but also enhance your skills and confidence in practice. Let’s explore how you can maximize your career by strategically using CE credits. Why Therapist CE Cred

Continuing education is a vital part of a therapist’s professional journey. It keeps skills sharp, knowledge current, and ensures...

Continuing education is a vital part of a therapist’s professional journey. It helps maintain licensure, sharpens skills, and keeps...

My theory is that young adults went underground during COVID. Some thrived, while others got lost in the weeds. This led to a new brand of anxiety called overthinking . This phenomenon is especially evident in girls. I have heard girls spend entire sessions discussing one text, one TikTok, one meme, or one like. They are driven by the dopamine rush that comes from likes. I honestly don't think Zuckerberg had any idea what he was unleashing. The need to be "liked" is paramount

Therapists play a vital role in supporting mental health and well-being. To maintain their professional skills and stay updated with the...

My Daughter's Hawaii Trip My daughter recently traveled to Hawaii after completing the grueling two-day BAR exam. This exam is not about...

A 27-year-old female came to my office in 2025 wearing a mask. I thought, "COVID is kind of over, so why would a beautiful young adult be afraid now?" During the in-person intake session, she explained that she had been hiding her whole life. She appeared shut down and said she couldn't talk about most things—she would be too worried about me! I then shared how therapy works. Hesitant, she said she needed time. As an experienced clinician, I understood what this meant: her tr

Boyz to Men I don't see many boys. It seems they don't like therapy. And the world watches as they become angrier, disenfranchised,...

Navigating the teenage years can be a rough journey, especially when anxiety becomes a frequent companion. As a parent, it’s essential to understand this challenge to provide support and foster an environment where emotions can be shared openly. With anxiety rates among teens rising, with a reported increase of 25% in anxiety symptoms from 2011 to 2021, recognizing and dealing with these issues is more important than ever. Anxiety can show up in various ways—from worries abo

Yes, in my opinion, as an early adopter and having worked in the Internet space since its inception, the media is just a tool. You decide...

"More spaciousness" is key to deepening self-awareness and healing. Here's how we might explain it in accessible and emotionally resonant terms, weaving in parts work, inner child, and re-parenting concepts.

Don't Bypass the Good Stuff! In a fast-paced world flooded with instant gratification, many of us find ourselves yearning for real...